Salt Lake mayor launches another anti-idling campaign

Anti-idling crusader Mayor Ralph Becker rolled out a new statewide campaign Monday with the clean-air advocacy group Breathe Utah and Enterprise Rent-A-Car in a continuing effort to battle the Wasatch Front's notoriously bad air.

They're asking Utah motorists to turn off the ignition for health's sake.

Vehicles at 20 Enterprise locations will be equipped with literature aimed at reminding drivers to limit idling time and why it matters.

"This is an incredible example of corporate citizenship on the part of Utah's Enterprise [Rent-A-Car] operators," Becker said. "This company is helping spread the message across the state … that by working together, and taking this small and easy step, we can all make a difference in our air quality while also saving money and conserving non-renewable resources."

Earlier this month, Becker joined education and community leaders in designating September as "Idle Free Awareness Month."

Last fall, the Salt Lake City Council passed Becker's proposed ordinance restricting idling to 2 minutes.

In February, however, State Rep. Wayne Harper, R-West Jordan, introduced legislation that sought to undo the ordinance.

But in compromise legislation by State Sen. Ben McAdams, cities could pass such regulations but they could not enforce them in personal driveways.